Mission:Troubled Times - Part Four: Twists in the Road

Part Four: Twists in the Road

Briefing

Was there some sort of leak in my security? I worked alone... Could someone have somehow... No, that's not possible.

It doesn't matter right now anyway. I can figure out the source of the leak later. For now, we need to deal with the mutant. You've got to go hit that safehouse. Hopefully the mutant will still be there and you can capture him without too much effort.

• I can handle it.

Maybe... I hope that you don't have to fight him. Do everything you can to avoid conflict. Please. I don't believe he will be in condition to fight. Not yet, at least. I doubt he has regained full use of his powers, so if it comes to a confrontation... Try to talk him down. I don't want to... to lose such a valuable research subject.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Remember, the mutant is important to capture alive. If anything should happen to him... Just, please, do your best.

Mission Objective(s)

You hear barked commands being issued in the rooms ahead. It seems someone has beaten you here.

• Attack Freakshow safehouse
  • Talk with Cpt. Argent
• Find the Freak leader
  • Find Miss Thystle
    • Talk to Miss Thystle

Miss Thystle told you that the mutant is with Frostfire... and some other very interesting information as well!

Enemies

Longbow

Freakshow

Notable NPCs

• Cpt. Argent (Longbow Officer, Ally)
• S4pp3r (Freakshow Super Stunner)
• Miss Thystle (Boss) Miss Thystle is a reputable member of the 'off-the-path' heroes that mix up in the day-to-day affairs of the virtuous Paragon heroes... much like yourself, lately.

Cpt. Argent

Briefing

The stern-looking Longbow Officer looks you up and down with undisguised suspicion on her face.

Hold on, Character. What are you doing here?

• I could ask you the same thing.

She frowns and you notice that her subordinates have their hands on their weapons.

I think I asked first. And since Longbow was here first, this is our scene. So you'd better answer my questions or shove off.

• I'm here for the Freakshow.

The captain exchanges looks with her subordinates, then slowly nods.

We're here for the same thing. And we have it under control. There's no need for you to get involved, so back off and let us handle it. We'll get it done with less mess.

• Longbow? Less mess? That's a good one.

Very funny, smart alec. Regardless of what you think of Longbow, the people who matter think much worse of you. So I suggest you let us handle the Freakshow and you can run off and deal with something else.

• And *why* are you after these Freaks?

That's classified.

• I don't really care. But I am going in there, whether you like it or not.

Don't do this, Character. Just walk away!

The Longbow aim their weapons at you.

• Alright, look. We've obviously gotten off on the wrong foot.

If you'd just be straight with me, there'd be no trouble.

• Actually, I think it was the right foot after all. Now let me by or else.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Fine. (Explain your mission)

Editor's Note:

Choosing this dialogue option unlocks the door to the rest of the mission. Longbow units remain friendly.

She listens to you intently as you explain everything about Dr. Stribbling, the missing mutant, and everything you learned about the Freakshow's involvement. She looks increasingly troubled as your story goes on. When you finish, she swears under her breath, then straightens up and lets out a sigh.

Alright, Character, here's the thing... We got word that Frostfire and Miss Thystle were seen meeting with the Freakshow here. We thought it was just some alliance brokering between the Freakshow and Outcasts, but after what you said...

There's clearly something more going on here. Frostfire, a powerful mutant, and a top-secret research lab trying to remove powers from people... This whole thing stinks.

Fine, Character, I'll stand aside and let you go in. You're clearly in deeper here than we are. We'll hold the perimeter here, make sure no one gets out. You go in and find this missing mutant.

• Glad we could come to an understanding. (Leave)

• Guess we're doing this then! (Attack)

The Longbow agents quickly scramble to switch off the safeties on their weapons as you begin to attack.

• (Attack)

• Look, let's just be straight with each other. (Explain your mission)

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• I don't think so. I need to get in there.

She glances at her subordinates, who tense and watch you with even more intensity than they already were.

And I'm not letting you in. At least not until we finish our work here. Once we bust those Freaks, you're welcome to go in and fish through whatever trash is left behind. Until then, be a good boy / girl and stay here.

• I'm not afraid to fight you.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• We've obviously gotten off on the wrong foot.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Whatever you've heard about me is wrong.

She looks doubtful.

• I'm telling the truth. I want the same thing you do. To bring villains to justice.

If that's so, then you should have no problem explaining why you want in there so badly.

• Fine. (Explain your mission)

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• I don't care if you believe me. I'm going in there, whether you want me to or not.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Whatever you've heard about me is wrong.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• And *why* are you after these Freaks?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Whatever you've heard about me is wrong.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• That's none of your business.

Her face hardens and her posture stiffens, as if she's preparing for a fight.

On the contrary, it's very much my business. Longbow is here on an official law enforcement action. And since I was here first, I have jurisdiction here. So answer the question.

• I'm here for the Freakshow.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• And just who are you?

Cpt. Natalia Argent, Longbow. And you are Character, so-called hero. Now answer my question. Why are you here?

• I'm here for the Freakshow.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• I sense hostility.

A brief scowl crosses her face, but she quickly replaces it with forced passivity.

I've read the reports about how you work. Frankly, if it was up to me, you'd be stripped of your hero registration and placed in the Zig. Heroes are not supposed to behave in the manner you do. There are standards we need to live up to. And you fall well short of those standards.

Now I'm going to ask you again. What. Are. You. Doing. Here?

• I'm here for the Freakshow.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• I sense hostility.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• And just who are you?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• I sense hostility.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• I'm here for the Freakshow.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• That's none of your business.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• And just who are you?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

Cpt. Argent Combat Dialogue

Before Combat: Take Character down!

Ambush! Reducing Cpt. Argent to 25% health triggers an ambush by five waves of Freakshow and ten waves of Longbow. Longbow units are hostile to both the player and the Freakshow.

Freakshow 1: The fuzz! Here! Unleash the beast!

Freakshow 2: Red and white, dead on sight!

Longbow 1: Character has gone rogue! Take 'em down!

Longbow 2: The sting is a bust! Arrest everyone you find!

S4pp3r Dialogue

Before Combat: Frosty and Miss T better make sure we get paid up! The big man's gonna need the funds.
Combat Start: Blast 'em! Zap 'em! Rip 'em to shreds!
50% Health: Man, this ain't worth it!
On Defeat: I want... hazard pay.

Miss Thystle Dialogue

Before Combat: Longbow's got us pinned down, Frostfire. Hope you got out with the kid...
Combat Start: Character?! I should have known someone like you'd be coming after us!
50% Health: You'll never get to the kid!
25% Health: Wait, stop!

Miss Thystle

Briefing

Miss Thystle, breathing heavy with the exertion of fighting you, holds her hands up in temporary submission.

Character... I never expected someone like you to get involved in this.

• Where is the mutant?

The "mutant"? He has a name, you know! Marcus. Give him that respect.

• Fine. Where's Marcus?

You're too late. He's already gone. Frostfire snuck out with him once we spotted Longbow headed this way. S4pp3r and I were here to delay them, but... Well, we didn't count on you to show up.

• Where are they?

I'm not telling you anything! Arrest me, beat me up, do whatever you want. I'll never give them up.

• Marcus is dangerous!

She looks at you incredulously.

Dangerous? He's just a kid! He's like sixteen or something. He's the one who is *in* danger! He was locked up in that lab, kept drugged and "compliant" in a stasis pod, not able to talk to anyone, not able to see the outside, only ever woken up when he was going to be prodded with needles or injected with experimental drugs...

And you're trying to take him back to that?

• I... didn't know that.

That scientist lied to you, huh? Didn't tell you that he had a kid locked up in his lab and he was experimenting on him for no reason? What, did he tell you he was protecting the world from a horrible criminal? Or keeping a poor, unfortunate soul from having his powers run wild and hurt people?

I can't believe people like *you* are supposed to be a hero. Frostfire and I are helping this kid. We want him to be free, away from that monster. You want to take him back, imprison him, and let him be experimented on. You're the danger, Character. You and Dr. Stribbling are a danger to us all.

• I don't believe you. You're a villain. You're lying!

She shakes her head.

I might be a "villain", but you're an idiot! I don't care what you believe or not.

• You better believe that if you don't tell me where they are, you won't leave here breathing.

Miss Thystle's eyes go wide and she backs away from you in fear.

You're... You're serious.

• Deadly. Now tell me *everything* I want to know.

Editor's Note:

Choosing this dialogue option will award the character one Villainous Alignment Point.

N... never! I won't tell you anything!

• Don't test me, Thystle.

You take another threatening step toward Miss Thystle. She starts to retreat, then realizes there's no way to run. Cornered, she puts up her hands.

Fine! Fine, I give up. I can't beat you... Frostfire is taking the kid to the Rogue Isles. They're on a boat now.

• Kid?

Y... Yeah, the kid, Marcus. He's the one you're after, right?

• I'm after a dangerous mutant with unstable powers.

Unstable? The kid was more in control of his powers than I am! Who told you he was unstable? He's a victim, someone who has been taken advantage of by the system and wants to escape.

• What is Frostfire's plan with him then?

What do you mean? The kid *hired* us to break him out of there! He was being tortured in there, kept against his will, subject to all sorts of experiments. Then he insisted that we take him away from Paragon City to somewhere the scientist or Longbow or anyone else couldn't get to him.

• That's all I needed to know.

Editor's Note:

Choosing this dialogue option will award the character one Heroic Alignment Point.

Miss Thystle stays quiet, still looking at you with fear. You have all the information you need. Now you just need to decide what to do with her.

• Get out of here. Go.

Miss Thystle stares at you for a moment in disbelief. Then, before you can change your mind, she turns and rushes out.

• (Leave)

• Time to sleep. (Arrest Her)

Before she can react, you attack and finish Miss Thystle off. You kneel down and slap a mediporter tuned to the Zig on her and watch as she's whisked away to prison.

• Now, to finish this. (Leave)

• And why did you take this kid from the lab?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• You let a dangerous, unstable mutant run to the Isles?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• What is Frostfire's plan with the mutant?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• This'll be fun. (Finish her)

You prepare to give Miss Thystle a beating she'll never recover from, but she falls to the ground and throws her arms over her head.

No! Don't! Frostfire took the kid to the Rogue Isles! They snuck out when we spotted Longbow coming after us.

• Kid?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• You let a dangerous, unstable mutant run to the Isles?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• What is Frostfire's plan with the mutant?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• If you were telling the truth, you'd go to the authorities.

She starts to object, but hesitates.

You... Look, the kid is afraid. He's been abused and doesn't want to be hurt any more. He didn't want to go to Longbow or the PPD or anyone else. I tried to convince him to do it, I honestly did. But Frostfire hasn't had a good history with people who are supposed to be on the right side of the law. He listened to the kid.

She lets out a sigh.

He took him to the Rogue Isles. They're on a boat headed there now. You're too late. You'll never catch them. Just let the kid go.

• You think the Isles will stop me?

Maybe not. But are you really going to go there, kidnap a kid, and try to force him to come back where he doesn't want to be? A powerful mutant gets forced back into being locked up in a lab? How do you think that is going to work out?

• I'll do what I have to.

She shakes her head and scowls at you.

No! You can't force this kid back! It will break him! I won't let you!

• You're the one who decided to make this difficult!

Editor's Note:

Choosing this dialogue option will award the character one Heroic Alignment Point.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Look, I didn't know what was happening to this kid.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• You're taking a child to the Rogue Isles?! Are you crazy?

She flinches back and cringes.

Look, I know it's not... What else were we going to do?! Force him to go to the cops? Do the same thing that was done to him?

The Rogue Isles might be dangerous, but he's strong. His powers will protect him. He'll be free there to do what he wants.

• Free to become a villain. One with strong powers.

You don't know that! Even if so, it's his choice. After everything that's been done to him, I don't blame him if he does become a villain.

• Maybe I can stop him. Get him help.

She lets out a sigh and slumps forward.

I know. You're right. You're right! Fine. Fine, go try to stop them. Bring Marcus back to Paragon and... tell Frostfire I'm sorry.

• I will. But I can't let you go free, either.

She jumps back from you, eyes suddenly wide with fear.

What?! No! I'm not going back to the Zig!

• I'll take you down by force! (Finish her)

Editor's Note:

Choosing this dialogue option will award the character one Heroic Alignment Point.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• You can testify in this kid's favor. You'll be more convincing if you come willingly.

Editor's Note:

Choosing this dialogue option will award the character one Heroic Alignment Point.

She looks down and sighs.

You're right. Fine. I'll turn myself in.

As you attach a teleporter to her to take her to the Zig, Miss Thystle looks you in the eyes.

You know, the stories about you say you're just a few steps from a villain yourself, Character. But you're certainly not acting like one now. I hope the stories aren't true. Don't make me regret believing in you.

She activates the teleporter before you can answer and is whisked away to prison.

• (Leave)

• I will, I promise. Now go, before I change my mind.

Editor's Note:

Choosing this dialogue option will award the character one Heroic Alignment Point.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• You and Frostfire are idiots. I'm going to bring him back, no matter what.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Maybe I can convince him. You know this is wrong.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• You and Frostfire are both idiots. I'm going to bring him back, no matter what.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Why not go to the authorities, then? Why take him to the Isles?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• I believe you. I'll get to the bottom of this. Justice will be done.

She narrows her eyes and looks at you closely. Then resignation crosses her face.

I believe you. If you can help the kid and bring him some justice, then do it. I'm not going to stop you. But you should hurry.

• I will. But I can't let you go free, either. You're too important a witness.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• I will, I promise. Now go, before I change my mind.

Editor's Note:

Choosing this dialogue option will award the character one Heroic Alignment Point.

Miss Thystle looks at you in disbelief for a moment.

You know, the stories about you say you're just a few steps from a villain yourself, Character. But you're certainly not acting like one now. I hope the stories aren't true. Don't make me regret believing in you.

She turns and runs off before you can respond.

(Leave)

• But he can't control his powers!

She snorts out a laugh.

What? The kid has better control of his powers than most other supers I know! He hasn't even used them once since he's been busted out of that lab! The kid just wants to be free and able to make his own choices in life, instead of being locked in a lab and having his powers stolen from him.

• But the doctor said...

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Frostfire can control his powers and is still deadly!

She sneers at you.

And, what, every kid with powers is going to use them for evil? You're so full of crap! He's just a kid. A scared, abused kid who has been wronged time after time after time! He deserves a chance to live his life how he chooses. He can get that in the Isles.

• You're taking a scared, powerful mutant child to the Isles?!

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Free to become a villain and use his powers for evil!

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• You think the Isles will stop me?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• So what? We both know even teenagers can be deadly. Look at your pal Frostfire.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• If you won't cooperate, then why shouldn't I just take you out? Permanently.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Marcus is dangerous! You have to tell me where he is!

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• I don't care. He's dangerous. Now where is he?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Where's Frostfire?

Frostfire? I have no idea. He's not here! It's just me and the Freaks.

• I heard you mention him! Don't lie to me.

She cringes at you calling her lie. Then she sighs and shrugs.

It doesn't even matter. He's gone. You're too late. He's on a ship headed to the Rogue Isles right now. You'll never catch him! Just give up.

• You think the Isles will stop me?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• What is he going to do with the mutant he took?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• You idiots! You're taking a dangerous mutant to the Rogue Isles?!

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Listen, I just want to get the mutant back.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Don't make me have to hurt you, Thystle.

Editor's Note:

Choosing this dialogue option will award the character one Villainous Alignment Point.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Why shouldn't I just end you right here?

Editor's Note:

Choosing this dialogue option will award the character one Villainous Alignment Point.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

Bug! The alignment points in this conversation seem to be awarded unpredictably. Usually you can receive only one from the conversation, but not always, and sometimes they don't trigger at all.

You found Miss Thystle at the Freakshow safehouse talking with S4pp3r. After defeating the two, she told you that you were too late... The mutant had already been whisked away by Frostfire, taken to the Rogue Isles. More importantly, Miss Thystle claimed the mutant was only a teenager, one who was in full control of his powers!

Mission Objective(s)

• Call Dr. Stribbling to report your findings

Dr. Stribbling

Briefing

Character, did you finish dealing with the Freakshow? Where is the mutant?

• Frostfire has the mutant on the way to the Rogue Isles.

Dr. Stribbling lets out a pained gasp.

What?! That is... unacceptable! The Rogue Isles... You have to get him back, Character! The Rogue Isles are a haven for villainy! He'll be in terrible danger there!

He sounds on the very of panic, but he swallows hard.

And he's a terrible danger to everyone else as well. You need to go there immediately and find him before... Before something tragic happens.

• The mutant's name is Marcus.

Y... yes, that's correct. His name is Marcus. Didn't I mention that before? If not, I am sure it was just an oversight.

There is something... off in the doctor's voice, when he says the name 'Marcus'.

• I see. I need to hurry after them.

Please, hurry. I can't imagine how much danger the mutant could cause in the Isles. Get him back, safely. He might try to resist, but... If he does, try to talk him down. If you do have to fight, try not to damage him too much. I do not want him dead. It's not very far to the Rogue Isles, Character. Only about 250 miles from Paragon City; or 50 miles outside of the United States' exclusive economic zone. It's unlikely that you'll be able to catch up to a ship before they arrive.

The scientist takes a deep breath.

I just hope you don't have to fight him. His powers are unpredictable. They may be too much for you to handle.

• Don't worry, I can handle much worse.

• The mutant is just a kid!

Uh, well. I mean, he's eighteen years old. According to my records. Legally, he is an adult. Though, even if he were underage, that's even more reason to cure him of his uncontrollable powers before he causes any more trouble.

• I see. I need to hurry after them.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• The mutant has full control of his powers.

Who told you that? I can assure you, Character, that the mutant cannot control his powers. I know that for certain. If someone tried to convince you otherwise, they are either sorely mistaken or lying to you.

Dr. Stribbling sounds unusually angry as he makes that statement.

• This sounds personal to you.

That's because it is, Character. I mentioned that the mutant had killed a child before, didn't I? Well, that was *my* child. My own newborn son, taken from me by this mutant! His own...

Dr. Stribbling's voice cracks as he continues.

My baby boy should have had his whole life ahead of him. Instead, he was killed after only a few weeks.

• This is wildly unethical.

Unethical?! How dare...

He takes a long, heavy breath and lets it out slowly.

Yes, working with a patient who has harmed you is... unusual. But I have been nothing but professional. I treated him no different than I would anyone else. Better, in fact, than many people are treated by the likes of Crey or many other corporations in this city!

• Measuring yourself against Crey doesn't speak well of you.

What are you insinuating?

• Nothing. Just speaking the truth.

Look, yes, maybe comparing myself to Crey isn't the best look, even if I am saying I am better than them. It is a low bar to cross. I could give you all my data, show you how careful I have been to be ethical. But we don't have time for that right now! We need to get the mutant back into our custody before he's lost to us forever. There's no telling what will happen to him in the Isles!

• You're right. I'd better go.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• That I don't trust you.

You don't tr... Look, fine, whatever. You don't trust me, but I have to trust you. You're the only one who can get my... the mutant back. Maybe he'll resist, but try to talk him down! Bring him back without hurting him.

• I'll do my best.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Whatever you say. I need to hurry after them.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• I see. I need to hurry after them.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• I see. I need to hurry after them.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• You were experimenting on the mutant, despite your claims otherwise.

Dr. Stribbling sighs.

The vast majority of my experimentation is on the mutant's cells in a petri dish. If something seems like it is working, I tested it on him. But oftentimes in medicine, what works in vitro doesn't work in vivo. There have been times when I tried out something on him, but only after ensuring it wasn't harmful. He was always perfectly safe.

• I see. I need to hurry after them.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• I need to hurry after them.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.